Steve built a Honda VTEC-powered classic Mini several years ago. He liked it. It had torque steering and wasn’t fun to drive. No more VTEC Mini swaps. He planned to make something spectacular in his garage. He constructed one of the coolest engine-swapped Minis by installing a Subaru WRX engine behind the front seats. Steve’s Mini isn’t rude. He disassembled a new Mini to its metal frame. He measured the room to see if the WRX turbocharged Boxer engine would fit. He consulted an expert to ensure proper, safe, and legal construction, which paid off. After the engineer approved his plans, he removed the floor under the seats and designed a custom box frame to hold the engine and strengthen the chassis. The engine and transmission don’t modify the Mini’s body or wheelbase. The car’s footprint remains. Mini machines are more accessible to repair than Subaru engines. The engine is accessible via the firewall or back door. The engine has 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, adequate for a 2,000-pound automobile. The machine is mostly stock. The only engine alteration is a top-mounted turbocharger with air vents in the back quarter windows. The sunroof is a highlight. Steve obtained a sunroof of a crashed R56 Mini because the 1960s Minis didn’t have them. He removed the sunroof and soldered it on the old Mini’s roof. It appears attractive and functional. Steve’s work is beyond description. See the Fullboost movie’s quality. The only original Mini parts on the automobile are the body shell and wiper motor. Steve built everything in his home shop, including the most excellent car on the road, the old Mini with a new engine.
